Gov. Solon keynotes regional invention contest

By APRIL JANE C. UGSAD

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 30, 2014) – “I am a dreamer as a person. And inventions come from dreams. We see what is needed. We have that passion to fulfill that necessity and we invent something.”

These were the remarks of Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon who was the keynote speaker Wednesday (May 28) at the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The theme was “Inventions and Innovations: Drivers of Change for a Smarter Philippines”.

Gov. Solon stated that he is in awe of the students who participated in the event saying that it was his frustration to invent something.

“But the problem with me is that I lack that certain gene that allows me to invent,” Gov. Solon jokingly added.

The governor expressed his admiration and full support for the participants, not only in Region 12, but all young inventors around the country.

“You are a special people set above the rest,” Solon emphasized.

He believes that young inventors are the key to make this nation a world power as he provided example of countries that have good foundation of science, technology, and invention like Germany, Japan, and America.

As he shared his experience in his stay in the US, he observed that the government and private sectors are giving funds to universities because research and inventions start from there.

“I think that the national government and the local government should join together to improve the quality of the research and invention that comes out of our communities,” said Solon.

“For this nation to get saved and succeed by way of invention, science and technology, we need to harness people like you,” he said as he encouraged the young inventors of the event.

As an evidence of support to the cause of the contest, Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Gov. Solon, and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao added P30,000 for the prizes.

As Gov. Solon closed his speech, he expressed his sentiments on how he wishes to talk to the DOST Secretary someday about his full support in science, technology, and invention.

“I want to tell all of you that you are very, very important to nation building,” Gov. Solon said.  

Meanwhile, regional director of DOST Region 12 Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan encouraged young inventors in the region to join such contest and showcase their scientific and technological skills.(April Jane C. Ugsad/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)